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-Editorial
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced the implementation of dedicated Ready Lanes for passenger vehicles at the Calexico West Port of Entry, beginning Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at midnight Pacific Time.
The new lanes aim to streamline cross-border travel for individuals possessing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)-enabled documents. Travelers may use the Ready Lanes if they present an RFID-compliant form of identification, such as a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver’s License, Enhanced Tribal Card, Enhanced Border Crossing Card, Enhanced Permanent Resident Card, or a Trusted Traveler Program card, including NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry, or FAST.
CBP emphasized that standard state-issued REAL IDs do not qualify as RFID-compliant documents and cannot be used in Ready Lanes.
To accommodate the new system, Mexican officials will designate a dedicated access lane on the Mexicali side of the border for travelers eligible for the Ready Lanes. Upon approaching the U.S. inspection area, drivers will enter through the general traffic access point before following signage to the Ready Lane booths.
While travelers with RFID-enabled documents may choose between Ready Lanes and general processing lanes, only individuals enrolled in CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs are permitted to use SENTRI lanes.
CBP advises eligible travelers to reduce wait times by having their RFID-enabled cards readily accessible and holding them up to the card readers in-lane before proceeding to the inspection booth.
The agency also encourages the public to plan by checking real-time vehicle wait times on the CBP Border Wait Times website or through the mobile app, which updates hourly.
Travelers are reminded to consult CBP’s “Know Before You Go” guidelines to ensure compliance with importation laws and avoid potential penalties. Brochures and additional information are available at land border ports of entry and online.
The addition of Ready Lanes at Calexico West marks a continued effort by CBP to improve efficiency and enhance the travel experience at the U.S.-Mexico border.